freedom of expression and blasphemy: a quest for boundaries in dayrit v abrera jo aurea imbong, esq....
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Freedom of Expression and Blasphemy:a Quest for Boundaries in
Dayrit v Abrera
Freedom of Expression and Blasphemy:a Quest for Boundaries in
Dayrit v Abrera
Jo Aurea Imbong, Esq.PHILIPPINES
Jo Aurea Imbong, Esq.PHILIPPINES
18th Annual Conference on Religion and LawBrigham Young University, Provo, Utah October 2-5, 2011
The CCPCultural Center of the Philippines
CCP’s mandate
“The CCP nurtures artistic excellence,
Filipino aesthetics and identity and positive cultural values x x x”
http://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph
1970’s
California Gov. Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan are accompanied by President Marcos at the opening of the CCP
2011 June
“POLYTHEISM” by Mideo Cruz
On the ensuing photographs viewer discretion
is requested.
Alliance for the Common Good
St. Thomas More Society Law CenterPro-Life Philippines
Metropolitan Bible Baptist ChurchPhilippine Solidarity Foundation
Lighthouse Bible Baptist ChurchCouples for Christ Foundation
for Family & LifeYouth Movement for Christ
Philippine General Council of the Assembly of God
BACOLOD SunStar Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Bishop Navarra to lead indignation rally vs
'sacrilegious' art exhibit
Posted on August 09, 2011 10:11:29 PM
T Outspoken Archbishop Oscar Cruz has stirred a hornet’s nest again,
declaring that the art exhibit "Poleteismo“
at the Cultural Center of the Philippines is "sick and their art sickening."
“Where in the world can you see
the images of Jesus Christ with a penis?
This is sacrilegious. It’s a very obscene exhibit.
I don’t think they can call this art. There is a difference between art and insanity.”
Congressman Amado BagatsingAugust 9, 2011 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
“It was a shameful exhibit.We build [CCP] to be
the sanctuary of the Filipino soul and a monument to the Filipino spirit.”
Mrs. Imelda MarcosAugust 9, 2011 Philippine Daily Inquirer
“Public office is a public trust” Constitution Article XI Section 1
“The CCP nurtures artistic excellence,
Filipino aesthetics and identity and positive cultural values x x x”
CCP Mission-Visionhttp://www.culturalcenter.gov.ph
Senator J. Estrada
calls for the resignation of the
CCP Board
Senator Vicente Sotto
threatens to slashCCP budget
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=715131 Accessed August 10, 2011
bluejec posted on Aug 10, 2011 10:15 AM
Dapat mo rin malaman ang kaibahan ng art sa pambaboy.
President Aquino:
"I was in contact with several board members [of CCP] yesterday and
I told them I am a Christian and the country is at least 85 percent Christian then there is this depiction of Christ that offends people, that’s
wrong.”
Manila Bulletin August 10, 2011
President Aquino:
“CCP is funded by public money and should be
in the service of the people. So when you insult the beliefs of most
of the people, where is that service.”
“ x x x one’s freedom ends when it tramples another.”
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile
orders a full-blown investigation
into the management of the CCP
Senate committee to
subpoena artist
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=717353&publicationSubCategoryId=63
Accessed August 30 2011
Most Rev. Jose Palma, DDIncoming President--CBCP
“Cruz’s works were offensive to the clergy because
it’s not just a picture [but] a picture of Jesus Christ, the picture of God, someone we
adore.”“We would be mad if the same is done to a
picture of a loved one, more so God.
It should not be repeated.”
Despite closure
Lawyer Jo Imbong of the St. Thomas More Society of Lawyers
saidthey will file criminal charges
against the CCP and artist Mideo Cruz for offending Christians.
August 9, 2011 http://www.starmometer.com/2011/08/09/cultural-center-of-the-philippines-and-mideo-cruz-to-face-criminal-charges-for-blasphemous-art/
Catholics troop to Ombudsman's office, file charges vs CCP execs
(Abrera et al & artist Cruz)http://www.interaksyon.com/article/10724/catholics-troop-to-ombudsmans-office-file-
charges-vs-ccp-execsAccessed August 11 2011
St. Thomas More Society Law
CenterAlliance for the Common Good
Pro-Life Philippines
Metropolitan Bible Baptist ChurchPhilippine Solidarity Foundation
Lighthouse Bible Baptist ChurchCouples for Christ Foundation
for Family & Life
Youth Movement for Christ
Philippine General Council of the Assembly of God
Revised Penal CodeArticle 201- Immoral doctrines, obscene publications and
exhibitions, and indecent shows
Those who, in theaters, fairs, cinematographs or any other place
exhibit indecent or immoral plays, scenes, acts or shows, whether live or in film,
which are proscribed by virtue hereof, shall include those which x x x
offend any race or religion;are contrary to law, public order, morals, good customs, established policies, lawful orders, decrees and edicts.
The CONSTITUTION
No law shall be passedabridging the freedom of speech, of
expression, or of the press x x xBill of Rights
Arts and letters shall enjoy the patronage of the State.
Article XIV Section 14
The CONSTITUTION
The free exercise and enjoyment
of religious profession and worshipwithout discrimination or preference
shall forever be allowed.
Bill of Rights
The Constitution Article XV, Section 3
The State shall defend the right of spouses
to found a familyin accordance
with their religious convictions
and the demandsof responsible parenthood.
Philippines: deep Christian
tradition and identity
90 % Christian 82 % Roman Catholic
Other Crimes against religious worship
Art. 132. Interruption of religious worship. —any public officer or employee who shall prevent or disturb the ceremonies or manifestations of any religion.
.
Art. 133. Offending the religious feelings.—anyone who, in a place devoted to religious worship or during the celebration of any religious ceremony shall perform acts notoriously offensive to the feelings of the faithful.
CCP shall—
x x x awaken the consciousness of our people
to our cultural heritage and
assist in its preservation, promotion, enhancement and
development
Section 2, Pres. Decree # 15
“Public office is a public trust.”
Article XI Section 1 CONSTITUTION
September 2010
Celdran Arrested and detained for disrupting an
ecumenical service being held inside the Manila Cathedral.
http://www.starmometer.com/2011/08/09/cultural-center-of-the-philippines-and-mideo-cruz-to-face-criminal-charges-for-blasphemous-art/
We condemn in particular the blatant disrespect he displayed towards His Eminence Gaudencio B. Cardinal Rosales, Archbishop of Manila, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams and the bishops and priests and representatives of other religions present during the worship service.
Statement of the Clergy of Manila
Manila : Philippines | Mar 10, 2011
Celdran apologizes to church officials
for Disrupting prayer service
http://www.allvoices.com/news/8438231-celdran-apologizes-to-church-officials-for-disrupting-prayer-service
March 25, 2010Resolution to condemn
”Defamation of Religion”
#10“Deplores the use of
print, audio-visual and electronic media …and any other means . . .
targetingreligious symbols
andvenerated persons.”
March 25 2010Resolution to condemn
”Defamation of Religion”
#16“Calls upon States
to make the utmost effort to ensure
that religious places, sites, shrines andsymbols
are fully respected.”
Human Rights Council voteMarch 25, 2010
Yes 20Pakistan (OIC)IndonesiaChinaNigeriaPHILIPPINES
No 17
Abstain 8
http://www.starmometer.com/2011/08/09/cultural-center-of-the-philippines-and-mideo-cruz-to-face-criminal-charges-for-blasphemous-art/
“Intangible Cultural Heritage”
The practices,
representations, expressions,
as well as the instruments, objects
and artifacts associated therewith that communities, groups and individuals
recognize as part of their cultural heritage,
Republic Act # 10066 - TheNational Cultural Heritage Act
Dayrit v Abrera et al Dayrit v Abrera et al
Religion roots our
humanity.
Religion roots our
humanity.
Thank youfor this opportunity.
Thank youfor this opportunity.